The Role of Catechins in Cellular Responses to Oxidative Stress.

Jurga Bernatoniene,Dalia Kopustinskiene

doi:10.3390/molecules23040965

Jurga Bernatoniene, Dalia Kopustinskiene

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040965

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Abstract

Catechins are polyphenolic compounds—flavanols of the flavonoid family found in a variety of plants. Green tea, wine and cocoa-based products are the main dietary sources of these flavanols. Catechins have potent antioxidant properties, although in some cases they may act in the cell as pro-oxidants. Catechins are reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers and metal ion chelators, whereas their indirect antioxidant activities comprise induction of antioxidant enzymes, inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes, and production of the phase II detoxification enzymes and antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress and ROS are implicated in aging and related dysfunctions, such as neurodegenerative disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Due to their antioxidant properties, catechins may be beneficial in preventing and protecting against diseases caused by oxidative stress. This article reviews the biochemical properties of catechins, their antioxidant activity, and the mechanisms of action involved in the prevention of oxidative stress-caused diseases.

Highlights

Catechins are natural polyphenolic compounds—flavan-3-ols, belonging to the flavonoid family
Several age-associated diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases—Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are linked to changes in oxidant-antioxidant balances and free radical damage [1,31]
Due to their antioxidant properties, catechins may be beneficial in preventing and protecting from pathologies caused by oxidative stress [1,18]

Summary

Introduction

Catechins are natural polyphenolic compounds—flavan-3-ols (or flavanols), belonging to the flavonoid family. They are found in abundant concentrations in a variety of fruits, vegetables and plant-based beverages. High concentrations of catechin can be found in fresh tea leaves, rock-rose leaves, broad beans, red wine, black grapes, strawberries, and apricots [2]. Epicatechin, and gallate epicatechin are present in red wine where reacting with tannins they are responsible for wine flavor [4]. Cocoa based products such as chocolate contain catechin and epicatechin in high amounts [5]

Chemical Properties of Catechins

Catechins as Antioxidants

Catechins in Oxidative Stress-Caused Diseases

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cancer

Neurodegenerative Diseases